New Rochelle, New York -11/25 – In a powerful display of solidarity, students from the Edmund Rice Network of schools in Canada, the United States, and Ireland recently came together to launch the "Still Somebody" campaign, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and advocacy for homelessness. The campaign brought together hundreds of students across multiple time zones, engaging them in a series of impactful activities designed to foster presence, compassion, and liberation.

Educational and Reflective Events Across Borders

The campaign, which took place over several days, featured a combination of educational activities, hands-on experiences, and intercontinental connections. Students participated in learning sessions about the realities of homelessness, delving into its causes and effects while reflecting on their role in supporting those affected.

The campaign's educational component was supplemented by a series of impactful activities, including sleep-outs, where students slept outside in cardboard boxes to experience a small fraction of what it’s like to have no home.

In addition to these outdoor activities, some participants attended a sleepout Mass to reflect on the spiritual call to action in caring for the marginalized. Students also communicated through Zoom calls where different schools and countries connected, sharing their experiences, stories, and ideas about how to advocate for lasting change.

A Global Show of Unity and Compassion

Photos from the event capture the spirit of the campaign: students huddled in their makeshift shelters, learning about the complexities of homelessness; sharing moments of solidarity through prayer and reflection; and joining in thoughtful dialogue with peers from across the globe. The Zoom meetings served as a bridge, allowing students from Ireland, the US, and Canada to connect in real time, fostering a sense of shared purpose in the fight against homelessness.

Photos from the event capture the spirit of the campaign: students huddled in their makeshift shelters, learning about the complexities of homelessness; sharing moments of solidarity through prayer and reflection; and joining in thoughtful dialogue with peers from across the globe. The Zoom meetings served as a bridge, allowing students from Ireland, the US, and Canada to connect in real time, fostering a sense of shared purpose in the fight against homelessness.

"The Still Somebody campaign was more than just an awareness event," said, Cris Ritchie-Bonomo, Director of the Office of Educational Services from the Edmund Rice North American Province. "It was a chance for students to see the humanity in all people, regardless of their circumstances, and to stand together in advocating for dignity, respect, and the basic right of every person to have a place to call home."

An Impactful Message of Hope and Change

The "Still Somebody" campaign, began with a chance meeting at the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders Congress, when St. Thomas More Collegiate President, Steve, Garland, St. Laurence President, Joe Martinez, Brother Rice President, Mark Donahue met Cormac McArt of the Westcourt Centre in Belfast Ireland.

After a year of planning, the event became an ACTION Advocacy Project as part of the Edmund Rice International Youth Ambassador Program. In collaboration with Dr. Sean D’Alfonso, North American Advocacy Coordinator, the campaign not only educated students about the challenges faced by homeless individuals, but also encouraged them to take tangible actions in their local communities.

Students were motivated to work with local shelters, raise funds, and advocate for policies that address the root causes of homelessness.

The campaign’s message—“Still Somebody”—reminded all participants that, no matter the circumstances, every person is deserving of dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive.

As the global event concluded, students left with a renewed sense of commitment to making a difference. "Still Somebody" has sparked conversations and actions that will continue long after the event, as students and their communities work together to create a more just and compassionate world.

Cristiana Ritchie-Bonomo
Director
Office of Educational Services